RYAN Jones' fairytale rise from relative obscurity to an international emerging star continued after claiming his first Wales try in the record Murrayfield rout on Sunday.

The powerhouse flanker had his best game in a Welsh shirt, having an enormous ball-carrying and tackling match as well as getting his country off to a sensational start with his fourth- minute score on his 24th birthday.

But a little more than a year ago the Newport-based back-rower feared for his rugby future.

He had been told to find another region after the Celtic Warriors disbanded - leaving him on the scrapheap.

"A year ago I was sitting down with the prospect of being without a job as the Warriors had just gone through," he said.

"It was time to get a job or see whether my rugby career would carry on or not.

"I had just bought a house and had a mortgage to pay a it was a terrible time for all concerned at the end of last season.

"It's been a hell of a year and fortunately I moved to the Ospreys."

Jones' move down the M4 corridor brought almost immediate reward with a call-up to face the Springboks last autumn, but admits Wales have yet to see the very best of him despite earning rave reviews with the Celtic League table-toppers.

"There's more to come from me in a Welsh shirt and I know I have lots more to offer," he said.

"There is a big jump from regional to international rugby and it's just a gradual stepping stone.

"I know I have to just keep working on my game.

"I've been looking for a big display though and it all seemed to come together against Scotland."

And the Bassaleg product will be looking for a repeat personal display when Ireland come to the capital for the Grand Slam finale on Saturday.

"It's going to be huge and I haven't experienced anything as big as this and nor have many of the boys in our careers," he added.

"I would say they are favourites and it's going to be tough.

"They have got some world class players who are more of an established and experienced side to ours.

"But hopefully we can pull it off if we continue the way we are playing."